pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfe-zᵊnt How to pronounce pheasant (audio)
plural pheasant or pheasants
1
: any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds compare ring-necked pheasant
2
: any of various birds resembling a pheasant

Examples of pheasant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Walz was never able to shoot or even find any pheasant. — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 There are squirrels and pheasants and purple rhododendrons in bloom. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026 The Hicks & Brown hat boasted a felted wool outer with pheasant feathers around the brim. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026 This fall, Judd plans on taking the boy hunting for ducks and maybe a trip to South Dakota for pheasants. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pheasant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French fesant, faisan, from Latin phasianus, from Greek (ornis) phasianos, from phasianos of the Phasis River, from Phasis, river in Colchis

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pheasant was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing pheasant

Rhymes for pheasant

See All Rhymes for pheasant

Browse Nearby Words

PhD
pheasant
pheasant's-eye
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pheasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pheasant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pheasant

noun
pheas·​ant ˈfez-ᵊnt How to pronounce pheasant (audio)
plural pheasant or pheasants
: any of numerous large long-tailed brightly colored birds that are related to the domestic chicken and many of which are raised as ornamental or game birds

More from Merriam-Webster on pheasant

Nglish: Translation of pheasant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pheasant

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